The eighth day of Navratri, also known as Durga Ashtami, holds great significance in the Hindu tradition. On this auspicious day of Durga Puja, devotees honor Maa Maha Gauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Falling on Sunday, October 22 this year, the Maha Gauri Puja is a time of devotion, rituals, and celebration. In this article, we will delve into the rituals (Vidhi), the importance of the day (Significance), the revered mantra, the offerings (Bhog), and the legends associated with Maa Maha Gauri.
Maa Maha Gauri Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Devotees begin the day with a sense of devotion and purity. The rituals commence by cleaning the house and the puja area. A sacred bath is offered to the idol or image of Maa Maha Gauri, symbolizing the purification of the body and soul. Following this, the goddess is adorned with fresh flowers and new clothes. Devotees also light incense sticks and diya (lamp) to invoke positive energies.
Maa Maha Gauri is revered as the goddess of purity and tranquility. Her divine grace is said to cleanse the minds and hearts of her devotees. Worshiping her on the eighth day of Navratri is believed to bring inner peace, self-purification, and a sense of balance. Devotees seek her blessings for the removal of negativity and obstacles from their lives.
Maa Maha Gauri Puja Mantra
The sacred mantra dedicated to Maa Maha Gauri is: “ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥” “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥”
Prarthana Mantra:
श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
Stuti:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Dhyana Mantra:
वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा महागौरी यशस्विनीम्॥
पूर्णन्दु निभाम् गौरी सोमचक्रस्थिताम् अष्टमम् महागौरी त्रिनेत्राम्।
वराभीतिकरां त्रिशूल डमरूधरां महागौरी भजेम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् त्रैलोक्य मोहनम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां मृणालां चन्दन गन्धलिप्ताम्॥
Stotra:
सर्वसङ्कट हन्त्री त्वंहि धन ऐश्वर्य प्रदायनीम्।
ज्ञानदा चतुर्वेदमयी महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
सुख शान्तिदात्री धन धान्य प्रदायनीम्।
डमरूवाद्य प्रिया अद्या महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
त्रैलोक्यमङ्गल त्वंहि तापत्रय हारिणीम्।
वददम् चैतन्यमयी महागौरी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Kavacha Mantra:
ॐकारः पातु शीर्षो माँ, हीं बीजम् माँ, हृदयो।
क्लीं बीजम् सदापातु नभो गृहो च पादयो॥
ललाटम् कर्णो हुं बीजम् पातु महागौरी माँ नेत्रम् घ्राणो।
कपोत चिबुको फट् पातु स्वाहा माँ सर्ववदनो॥
Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to invoke the goddess’s blessings and protection.
Maha Gauri Bhog (Offerings)
Offerings play a significant role in any puja, and the Maha Gauri Puja is no exception. Devotees present a variety of offerings to the goddess, including fresh fruits, milk, coconut, and sweets. These offerings symbolize gratitude and devotion, and they are later shared as prasad, a blessed food that carries the goddess’s energy.
Legends about Maa Gauri
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Maha Gauri is depicted as a radiant and fair goddess. The legend narrates that she was born with a dark complexion and regained her fair skin after intense penance. She is often shown in white attire, signifying purity and serenity. One popular legend tells the story of Lord Shiva cleansing her with the waters of the Ganges, which turned her fair. This symbolizes her power to transform and purify.
Conclusion
As the Eighth Navratri approaches on Sunday, October 22, devotees eagerly anticipate the Maa Maha Gauri Puja, a day of profound significance, devotion, and rituals. Through the Vidhi, the Significance, the Mantra, the Bhog, and the Legends, devotees seek to connect with the divine energy of Maa Maha Gauri, seeking her blessings for inner purification, balance, and protection. This auspicious day is a reminder of the goddess’s transformative power and her ability to bring about positive changes in the lives of her devotees.